Can liver function tests detect cirrhosis?

Liver function tests can assist in detecting cirrhosis, but cannot diagnose it alone. Cirrhosis requires comprehensive evaluation through liver function tests, imaging examinations, and liver tissue biopsies.

Liver function tests mainly reflect the degree of liver damage by detecting indicators such as serum transaminase, bilirubin, and albumin. Early liver cirrhosis may present with mild elevation of transaminase and decrease in albumin, but these changes can also be seen in other liver diseases. As the condition progresses, liver function tests can show more severe indicators such as significantly elevated bilirubin and abnormal coagulation function, but these are still non-specific manifestations. Imaging examinations such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI can observe changes in liver morphology and discover features of liver cirrhosis such as surface nodules and splenomegaly. Liver tissue biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing cirrhosis and can directly observe the degree of liver fibrosis. Some patients with liver cirrhosis may have completely normal liver function test results in the early stages of the disease, especially in compensated cirrhosis. The degree of abnormal liver function indicators in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis may be mild, while cirrhosis caused by viral hepatitis is often accompanied by more significant elevation of transaminases. Some special types of liver cirrhosis, such as primary biliary cholangitis, show characteristic elevation of alkaline phosphatase in liver function tests.

It is recommended that individuals with risk factors for liver disease undergo regular liver function tests, in conjunction with imaging examinations such as abdominal ultrasound. If any abnormalities are found, medical attention should be sought in a timely manner, and the doctor will arrange further examinations according to the specific situation. In daily life, one should avoid drinking alcohol, control weight, and receive hepatitis vaccines to reduce liver damage factors. Patients diagnosed with cirrhosis need to follow medical advice for regular check ups and monitor changes in their condition.